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WHAT DO RABBITS NEED?
- Companionship - to be with other
rabbits or humans. The widespread practice of keeping rabbits and guinea pigs
together is not recommended.
- A mixed diet, rabbit pellets/ muesli,
apples, carrots, dandelions and a good quantity of fresh hay.
- A constant supply of fresh, clean
drinking water in a drip feed bottle or water bowl.
- A large weatherproof home off the
ground, out of direct sunlight and strong winds. Move to an indoor area or
porch in cold weather. Many homes sold in pet shops are too small.
- A separate covered sleeping area for
each animal.
- A clean chunky layer of (dust
extracted) wood shavings and plenty of hay is essential.
- Daily exercise is essential, to
maintain the happiness of any pet.
- Ensure the enclosure is escape-proof
and safe from predators.
- Their home should be cleaned every day
and bedding changed every couple of days, toilets disinfected regularly.
- To be brushed regularly, daily if they
have a long coat.
- Vaccination injections to prevent
serious diseases. VHD & MXYMOATOSIS. Boosters to be done yearly,
- To be taken to a vet if they are ill
or injured.
- To be looked after when you are on
holiday. Ensure the carer you leave in charge of your pets is knowledgeable
and dedicated to cleaning out your pet, changing bottles, food, checking
bottoms (fly strike) and ensuring they are in adequate shade in hot spells.)
Boarding is available
in most areas, ENSURE you visit first!
Remember - a pet needs
your time and interest for the rest of its life.
General Rabbit information
Life span
Rabbits live for up to ten years.
Behaviour
Rabbits still retain much of their natural behaviour, which makes them, unsuited
to life in captivity. In the wild, rabbits live in large social groups,
Male and female rabbits
can be kept together as long as they have been neutered. Females from the same
litter can also be kept together,
Many rescue centres will
advise you in marrying up your lonely bunny.
Handling
Approach the rabbit from the front.
Gently place one hand
under front legs; take the weight in your other hand, which should be around the
hindquarters. Lift the rabbit towards you and rest it against your body with its
head towards your shoulder. Never pick up a rabbit by its ears or the scruff of
its neck. Put a rabbit down slowly, hind legs first, on a non-slip surface.
Breeding
Neutering is a straightforward operation that can be arranged with a vet. A
female rabbit can have several litters a year, with as many as eight babies in
each litter.
Health
Young rabbits should be vaccinated and given regular boosters. Your vet can
advise.
Rabbits should be checked regularly for overgrown claws and teeth - these can be
trimmed by a vet or an experienced person.
‘LOOK OUT’
COCCIDIOSIS:
Young rabbits may be affected by a highly
infectious disease called coccidiosis. Symptoms include a yellow look,
diarrhoea, dullness and loss of appetite. Keep the rabbit isolated and seek
veterinary advice straight away.
FLYSTRIKE: Rabbits may suffer from the potentially fatal disease
flystrike, caused by flies laying eggs in soiled fur. Ensure the rabbit is not
over weight because it won’t be able to reach its bottom (discuss different
diets with your vet.) Make sure the rabbits' home is cleaned every day, the
bedding changed regularly and the rabbit has a good quality high fibre diet.
Groom them, checking their fur for dirt, especially under the tail is essential
PARASITES: Rabbits may suffer from parasites. Treatment is
available from your vet. For example ear mites, flea’s
SNUFFLES: If a rabbit is sneezing and has a discharge from its
nose, it may have snuffles. This is highly infectious and could lead to
pneumonia. Keep the rabbit isolated and seek veterinary advice straight away.
OVER FEEDING:
an animal can be just as cruel as underfeeding.
Around 30 per cent of
Britain’s pets are overweight.
These extra pounds – fat that affects their comfort and health – are usually the
result of overeating. Most pet owners are guilty of slipping their pet the odd
tit-bit and the problem is often worse at Christmas, when everyone is tempted to
overindulge.
Fat pets have shorter
lives, a reduced ability to withstand surgery or fight and recover from disease.
Obesity causes or worsens conditions ranging from skin disease, heat
intolerance, diabetes, arthritis, back and heart problems.
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